I watched a documentary on the prospects of life on other planets. There was a lot of discussion about what are the necessary conditions for life. At first I was skeptical but after some thought I think I largely agree.

I took some notes during the video:

Stable System

• Stable star (i.e. no large bursts/castoffs)
• Stable and somewhat slow orbit
• Post bombardment

Comfortable Environment

• The right temperature range
• The right atmospheric pressure
• Low radioactivity

Constituents of Life

• A liquid (e.g. water although not necessarily)
• Organic Material (e.g. carbon, oxygen)
• Larger elements (e.g. metals)